ECC-Evangelical Covenant Church
The Hope of Glory: Roots in the Future, Branches in the Present
We are glad you are with us today. We believe that Jesus not only forgives us and makes a way for us to know him, but he transforms us and renews the image of God within us, then sends us out into the world. We hope you'll join us this week as we begin a new series on what that looks like. We worship together each Sunday morning at 10:30am on Facebook, YouTube, or in person.
Locations & Times
Expand
  • Evangelical Covenant Church
    3600 S 9th St, Lafayette, IN 47909, USA
    Sunday 10:30 AM
Pre-register for April 25 Service
Expand
Please pre-register so we know how many attenders to expect on Sunday.
https://ecclife.net/preregister
Downloadable Bulletin
Expand
https://ecclife.nucleus.church/download/4b17d04d19aa44577727e40fa57c7477674f4cb2.pdf
Communication Card
Expand
Let us know you attended today's service! You can also sign up for newsletters or prayer.
https://ecclife.net/commcard2
How to Connect at ECC
Expand
Click below to explore many opportunities get connected even--or especially--in this time of social distancing.
https://www.ecclife.net/connect
Global 6K Walk/Run
Expand
Join us on May 22 as we walk or run 6k to raise money for clean water with World Vision. 6K is the average distance a person in the developing world must walk to find water, which is often contaminated. Each $50 registration fee covers the cost of clean water for one person. Visit ecclife.net/connect to register!
Membership Class
Expand
Our next membership class take place today, April 25, at 12:00pm. The class usually lasts about 2 and a half to 3 hours. If you’re interested in learning more about ECC, we would love to have you join us. This class is required for those who wish to join ECC, but taking part in the class does not obligate you to do so. We are open to different options in presenting the class-whether in person or online--and we'll make a decision once we see how many are interested. So, if you are interested in taking part, please sign up and we will reach out to you. https://ecclife.net/membership
Adopt a Landscape Spot
Expand
If you enjoy making outdoor areas look beautiful, we would love your help. ECC has several landscaped areas that are maintained by ECC attenders. If you are interested in adopting one or more of these landscape areas, please email Pastor Kurt for more information.
kkincanon@ecclife.net
Kingdom Conversations
Expand
Join us every Sunday at 12:00pm on Zoom during this sermon series, The Hope of Glory, for a time of conversation about the sermon series as well as conversation on the book The Good and Beautiful Community. Each week, Pastors and staff will host a 30-45 minute Zoom gathering to have Kingdom Conversations. We hope to see you there.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87955333583
Landscape Work Day
Expand
Join us, Saturday April 24, 8:00am for a Landscape Work Day. We will be cleaning up some of the landscape beds and putting down mulch in all the beds. All are welcome to come and help and should bring rakes and tools to spread mulch. RSVP below if you are able to help.
https://ecclife.net/landscape
Delegates for Central Conference Annual Meeting
Expand
Central Conference Celebration: Each year, delegates to the Central Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church (CCECC) gather to take part in leading the mission and vision of the CCECC. Due to stipulations in the constitution and bylaws, however, we cannot hold an official meeting and vote without delegates being physically present. To that end, the CCECC will gather for a time of celebration, reporting, and affirmation of the ministry and mission of the conference. The meeting will take place virtually and registration is required to receive information on joining the meeting via social media. Registration will remain open until April 20.
Nursery through Kindergarten Re-opening
Expand
Preschool/Kindergarten KOL and Infant and Toddler Nurseries will be re-opening during the 10:30am Easter Service and will remain open! Registration is strongly encouraged to ensure proper staffing. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e054baaa923a2fc1-easter1
Summer XP 2021
Expand
We’re so excited to announce that we will be hosting Summer XP in June! We joined the world in going online last year, but this year we will once again gather in person. All indications are that we will be able to have Summer XP at Miller the week of June 14. We are working with LSC and the Tippecanoe County Board of Health to make all the necessary arrangements to ensure a healthy and successful event. You can find more information, register your student or sign up to volunteer at http://vbspro.events/p/a653f4
Adult Christian Formation
Expand
Sunday mornings at 9:00 am on Zoom. The Adult Sunday School class will be reviewing the book The Good and Beautiful Community: Following the Spirit, Extending Grace, Demonstrating Love. This study will be in conjunction with the new sermon series, The Hope of Glory. https://www.ecclife.net/zoom
Wednesday Morning Men's Fellowship
Expand
Men, please join us each week at 6:30am. The ECC Wednesday Morning Men’s group is doing a study of the parables. This group is currently meeting via Zoom. For an invite, please email Ken Ritchey (kritchey@tds.net). We'd love to see you there!
Covenant Harbor Summer Camp
Expand
We’re inviting ECC students to sign up for Summer Camp! Students who will enter 2nd-4th grades in the fall of 2021 are invited to participate in an overnight camp from July 18-20. Students who will enter 4th-6th grades in the fall of 2021 are invited to participate in an overnight camp July 18-23. We plan to assist with transportation to and from camp, and Kristin Mueller will stay on camp grounds during this week as well. Learn more and register online at https://covenantharbor.org/summer-camps. Scholarships are available – please contact Kristin for details.
Youth Gatherings
Expand
High school will be meeting on April 18 from 4:30-6:00pm in the Life Center. We will spend time having fun and focusing on God’s Word in our lives! Students should wear masks. Feel free to invite a friend and join us today! ecclife.net/youth#highschool

Middle school will be meeting April 25 in person and on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86336205354
Young Life
Expand
Youth 9th-12th grade, join us on Monday nights, 7:30-8:30pm in the Life Center for Covid Connections. Covid Connections is a time to connect with your Young Life leaders & friends in a small group setting while social distancing for conversation and connections. We will catch up with one another as we journey through this season of Covid, watch the Club video, and take a few moments to process the Club Talk together. Masks will be required.
AV Technology and Production Assistant Position
Expand
We are currently looking to hire a part-time Pro-duction & Technology Assistant to assist with our technology needs a couple hours throughout the week, on Thursday evenings, and Sunday mornings. This position will require around 10 hours a week and will involve great knowledge of all our Audio Visual programs and systems, troubleshooting abilities, and carrying out the vision for our worship services. Information packets can be found at the welcome counter or online at: https://ecclife.nucleus.church/download/462304ebab916005bd17913640ed31283a57210c.pdf
Giving Online
Expand
You can give your offerings here. You can also give to special areas by commenting in the memo line. https://bit.ly/ECCGiving
The Hope of Glory: Rooted in the Future, Branches in the Present
April 18, 2021
Third Sunday of Easter
Stacey Littlefield, Lead Pastor
Write your main take away from this week's sermon below:
Questions to ponder.
In The Good and Beautiful Community, Jim Smith exposes the false narrative that only certain people can share their faith. He then lists several statements he has heard over the years from people who believe this false narrative (p.45). Which can you identify with (if any)? Could you add any others?
· I am not good at it. I have tried, and I just stammered and stuttered.
· I've seen people witnessing, and I would be embarrassed to try.
· I'm afraid I will offend if I share my faith.
· I would feel like a hypocrite if I shared my faith—I am not a perfect Christian.
· If I bring up my faith, I'm afraid they will reject me.
· I cannot share my faith with others because I am not educated enough.
Questions to ponder.
The marks of our identity in Christ are:

1. We have died with Christ.
2. We have been resurrected with Christ.
3. We have ascended with Christ and are now seated with him above (and we are "hidden with Christ in God").
4. We will experience our ultimate healing and justice one day when Christ returns.

Which of these speaks to you and why? Are any of them new ways of thinking for you? How might these marks of identity give us/you hope?
Questions to ponder.
Read Romans 12.9-21. What from this list of behaviors is missing from our society? Which of them do you think are present in our congregation? What is missing from our congregation? Which are present for you personally? Which do you not yet have in your life, but desire to have?

What steps could you take in response to your answers to the questions above?
A practice to engage.
Write the following power narrative on a card or in your phone and read it throughout the day, especially in the midst of difficult times.

I am one in whom Christ dwells and delights.
I live in the unshakeable kingdom fo God.
The kingdom is not in trouble, and neither am I.
Questions to ponder.
Read Mark 16.1-8. What do you make of v.8? Why were the women "trembling and bewildered" and "afraid"? How might discovering that Jesus was alive be frightening for you, personally, if you were one of the women in their context?

Bless Every Home

Follow the link below for an interactive map of your neighbors and to get email reminders or notifications in an app to remind you to pray for your neighbors.

https://blesseveryhome.com/index.php

The Unsettling Power of Easter

Click below to read the editorial by Dr. Esau McCaulley in today's sermon.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/opinion/easter-celebration.html?auth=login-google1tap&login=google1tap

B.L.E.S.S.

Follow the link below to make a commitment to pray for your family members, neighbors, co-workers, or friends who do not yet know Christ.

https://form.123formbuilder.com/5741468/
Prayer for the Third Sunday of Easter
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who livesand reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.